Dogs for Beginners | Part 1 – Self-Reflection

This is the start of our exciting series "Dogs for Beginners." Are you considering getting a dog for the first time? The decision to bring a four-legged friend into your life is exciting, but it also brings with it some challenges. Especially as a beginner, it can be difficult to think of everything before and during the purchase. We'll help you by teaching you step by step everything you need to know about dogs – from the first thought of a four-legged friend to a harmonious everyday life with your new best friend.

In Part 1, we begin with the topic of self-reflection. What is it, and why can self-reflection be important for me when it comes to buying a dog?

1. Why self-reflection?

At the beginning, there's little focus on the topic of dogs. It's much more important that you know why self-reflection is an important part of buying a dog. Self-reflection helps with the following points, among others:

Promote self-confidence:

• Through self-reflection, you'll recognize whether you're up to the challenge of caring for a dog. You'll be able to better assess your own strengths and weaknesses and thus approach dog ownership with more confidence.

Improved decision making:

• Reflection helps you make rational decisions instead of acting impulsively. You can consider which dog breed truly fits your lifestyle and whether you have enough time and resources to provide a good home for a dog.

Raise a sense of responsibility:

• Through self-reflection, you'll become aware of the long-term responsibility that comes with owning a dog. This helps clarify emotional and practical considerations and ensure that you can meet your dog's needs in the long term.

Develop realistic expectations:

• Self-reflection will help you gain a clear understanding of what it means to own a dog. You'll be able to better assess the daily tasks you'll face and the challenges you might encounter, such as time spent on walks, training, or vet visits.

Check emotional stability:

• A dog requires patience and calm, especially in difficult situations such as illness or training issues. Self-reflection allows you to honestly assess whether you are able to handle stress and frustration without putting a strain on your relationship with your dog.

Recognize long-term commitment:

• Dogs are a long-term commitment, often lasting for decades. Self-reflection can help you consider whether your lifestyle is stable enough to accommodate a dog in the long term—in terms of work, relocation, or potential family planning.

2. Questions for self-reflection before purchasing

The points explained in point 1 give rise to very diverse and interesting questions that you, as a future dog owner, should definitely answer. We list some of them below:

1. Do I have enough time to take care of a dog's daily needs (walks, feeding, grooming, training)
2. Am I prepared to take responsibility for a dog for the next 10 to 15 years, even if my lifestyle changes?
3. Do I have the patience and emotional stability to deal with the challenges of dog ownership (stubbornness, illnesses, training problems)?
4. Does a dog fit into my current lifestyle and living situation (e.g. apartment vs. house, urban vs. rural)?
5. Which dog breed best suits my energy level and my expectations of the dog (e.g. sporty, calm, child-friendly)?
6. Can I afford the financial responsibilities of owning a dog, including food, grooming, veterinary fees, and unforeseen expenses?
7. Am I prepared to adjust my leisure and travel plans accordingly or find solutions if my dog ​​cannot come with me?
8. Do I have support in my social circle (family, friends, neighbors) if I am unable to work or need short-term care?
9. Am I willing to make the necessary efforts for good dog training and socialization (e.g. dog school, training at home)?
10. Am I aware that a dog not only brings joy, but also work and responsibility, especially during stressful times?
11. How do I deal with stress, frustration, and unexpected challenges? Am I able to remain calm and patient?
12. Can I assess in the long term whether I have enough space and time for the needs of a dog, even if something changes in my life (new job, moving, children)

These are just a few of the most important questions you should ask yourself before making a purchase. Nevertheless, they will give you a rough idea and guide you in your self-reflection process.

Conclusion

Self-reflection is not only a valuable skill in life for making conscious and responsible personal decisions, but it is also crucial when buying a dog. It helps you realistically assess your strengths, weaknesses, and needs, identify long-term commitments, and prepare for potential challenges. In the case of dog ownership, it ensures that you have the responsibility, time, and resources to provide a good home for a dog. This makes the decision to get a pet a conscious and well-considered step—for a happy relationship.

Tradidog motto: Always have enough self-reflection and the Tradidog blog for information!

Click here to go to part 2.